The Gospel of Mark begins with an announcement of good news about the person an work of Christ.

The story of Jonah is a satirical comedy designed to unveil the dark place of racism and prejudice in our souls.

The letters of Paul were written to specific people in specific places. The purpose of the New Testament letters is not information but transformation.

There is a huge difference between the Bible we have and the one that we think we have. The Bible is not primarily a rule book, owners manual, field guide or textbook. It is a storybook with characters and plots designed to see ourselves in them and pursue the path of wisdom.

The Exodus story is the predominant deliverance story in the Bible. Jesus assumes the role of Moses in bringing us our of slavery and into the Kingdom of God. His proclamation of the New Exodus is seen in the Beatitudes.

The Bible uses origin stories of light to encourage us to embrace the new beginnings offered to us in Christ.

Let me tell you a story is an invitation into the human experience. When someone begins to tells a story we enter a new world that helps us understand life. The Bible is full of stories, many different kinds of stories, that help us understand ourselves and the nature of life.

There is a cost involved in following Christ. It may come in the form of criticism, rejection or persecution. Peter tells his readers to cast all anxiety upon and step into God's calling.